Valdez admits Ateneo lacked confidence vs La Salle

Alyssa Valdez looks on as the La Salle Lady Spikers celebrate. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Alyssa Valdez hopes Ateneo’s loss to rival La Salle on Saturday will help the Lady Eagles learn from their mistakes.

The Lady Eagles saw their 24-game winning run dating back to two years ago snapped with Valdez scoring her lowest output this season with 11 points.

“It’s the first round of the season. We all hope that it’s a good learning experience for everyone to give us extra motivation to train hard and be at our best every time,” Valdez told reporters after Ateneo’s straight-sets loss.

GALLERY: Ateneo Lady Eagles vs La Salle Lady Spikers Round 1

“We just have to be focused and be happy again and enjoy every game this coming second round.”

The 22-year-old Valdez didn’t want to dwell on Ateneo’s streak ending in a game that meant more than usual.

“It’s meant to be broken. But then, if we’re not going to experience something like this, then how can we manage to get up again and be on our feet again. There’s a reason for everything that’s happening to the team and this season. Let the story unfold on itself,” she said.

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“It was a good run for us but it really has to stop and try to make another one and do our best.”

Valdez admitted got frustrated as La Salle’s defense, anchored by Mika Reyes, locked down on the Ateneo superstar and said the Lady Eagles weren’t confident enough.

“Honestly, we lacked the confidence. Jamie’s (Lavitoria) first time playing, Gizelle (Tan), Kim (Gequillana) and Maddie (Madayag).”

“La Salle really played well today. They really prepared well. Second round is going to be so different because everyone’s scouting and everyone has played each other. We really have to keep on working and keep on playing.”